Collapse of two mutualistic organisms

  • Thread starter nhmllr
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Collapse
In summary, there are well-known examples of ecological collapse between two obligately mutualistic species, such as the extinction or severe decrease in population of both species. There is also data on sudden increases in population, although this is less common. Some suggested sources for further research on this topic include the article "Giant tortoises slowly but surely rescue tropical islands' ebony forest" and the Wikipedia page on mutualisms and conservation.
  • #1
nhmllr
185
1
Are there any well-known/well-studied examples of an ecological collapse of two species that interact in a obligately mutualistic kind of way?

As in, an extinction (or severe decrease in population) in the two species
Also acceptable is a sudden increase in population (but that seems less likely)

Really just any change between two obligately mutualistic species that has a lot of data on it

I understand that this is a ridiculously open ended question
At the moment I'm just trying to get a few ideas for a research project
Hopefully someone who's more immersed in the literature can point me in a direction
Thanks
 
Biology news on Phys.org

1. What is a mutualistic relationship?

A mutualistic relationship is a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both species benefit from the interaction. This means that both organisms receive some kind of advantage or benefit from each other's presence.

2. How does a mutualistic relationship form?

Mutualistic relationships can form through various mechanisms, such as coevolution, where two species evolve together and develop a mutually beneficial relationship. They can also form through a process of natural selection, where organisms that are able to form mutually beneficial relationships have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.

3. What are the consequences of the collapse of a mutualistic relationship?

If a mutualistic relationship between two organisms collapses, it can have negative effects on both species involved. For example, if one species provides food or shelter for the other, the loss of this resource can lead to a decline in population size and potentially even extinction. It can also disrupt the balance of the ecosystem as a whole.

4. What can cause a mutualistic relationship to collapse?

There are a few factors that can lead to the collapse of a mutualistic relationship. These include changes in the environment, such as climate change or habitat destruction, which can make it difficult for one or both species to survive. Other causes can include competition from other species, diseases, or changes in population size.

5. Can a mutualistic relationship be restored once it has collapsed?

In some cases, it may be possible to restore a mutualistic relationship once it has collapsed. This can happen through human intervention, such as reintroducing one species back into the environment or providing resources to help the organisms thrive. However, in other cases, the collapse may be irreversible and the species may have to adapt to survive without the mutualistic relationship.

Similar threads

Synthetic Biology, What Might It Do?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Can we say a photon doesn't exist until the wavefunction collapses?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
16
Views
1K
Clonal Fish is Genetically Healthy and Long Lived
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
Why does biology deal with why questions?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
Is Brain Connectivity the Same among All Mammals?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
916
How is speciation possible within known confines?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
8
Views
2K
Are Invasive Crayfish in Europe the Result of Parthenogenesis?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
1K
Do fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field cause heart attacks?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
20
Views
1K
What fraction of genes do we share with relatives and with other species?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
12
Views
1K
B Question about quantum superposition
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
895

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top